Now, though, the teriyaki storefront is temporarily closed for construction (though the main Blind Pig Bistro remains open.) The side business will be reborn as Babirusa, which the owners described as Blind Pig’s “next door bar and casual eatery.” It will have a full bar (Blind Pig currently doesn’t) and boast the same kitchen team. What to expect on the table? A rep said that “The menu is not set in stone, but will include quality, approachable eats like a burger, hot dog, or fish and chips. There will also be a rotating menu of tapas-style specials that will reflect the seasons. There won’t be much cross over, if any, between the Blind Pig at Eastlake Teriyaki menu and the Babirusa menu, but there may be the occasional sandwiches on the menu modeled after the more successful sandwiches of its Eastlake Teriyaki days.”

And why the name change? The nod to the teriyaki joint made sense in the beginning, when it shared a similar purpose (quick lunchtime eats, that is), but now it’s a completely different, ah, animal. The new name, Babirusa, comes from the genus of the pig hanging at the bistro.

About us

Bethany Jean Clement is The Seattle Times food writer. Her writing has also appeared in Best Food Writing, Food & Wine, Gourmet.com, Beard House, Town & Country, Edible Seattle, The Stranger and more. Follow her on Twitter: @BJeanClement.